Growing up in Michigan, we were raised going to Michigan Adventure, Cedar Point, Six flags and hearing about the theme parks down in Florida. But little did we know that a few states away was a theme park unlike any other out there – Silver Dollar City. Nestled in the hills of the Ozarks, Silver Dollar City focuses on a family friendly good time with a historical twist on their rides and park in general.

We’re huge fans of visiting theme parks, and immediately could see the love put into Silver Dollar City and it’s ode to the local culture and history. Get your walking shoes on, and get ready to go up and down the hills in the park to experience all there is to see. If you’re like us, and live in the flat lands – the park offers a fun time with a work out as well.

A Theme Park Rooted in History

Silver Dollar City was started after the discovery of Marvel Cave in 1894. The cave became a tourist destination and is still something you can tour today. Guests were given silver dollars as change, which turned into one of the best marketing tools for the area, and eventually became the name of the theme park that was opened shortly after.

Today, Silver Dollar City plays homage to its roots and is modeled after an 1880’s mining community, city and even exposition. With rides reminiscent of an older time. Employees are “in period” while working, and while they may not know what a “cell phone” is, they will direct you to the map on your “swipey thing” to help you utilize the GPS map of the park to help you find your way around.

Record Breaking Roller Coasters!

This spring Silver Dollar City has launched their latest roller coaster, Time Traveler, that is breaking records left and right. Time Traveler takes you on a journey through time with a steam punk feel as it whips you through the air. Coaster fans are flocking to Silver Dollar City to hop on the Time Traveler because of what the ride has to offer.

Tallest – Custom-designed for mountainous terrain with its tallest point at 100 feet

First & Only with Three Inversions – a Drive Loop, a Vertical Loop and a Zero – G roll

First & Only with a Vertical Loop – a 95-foot tall Loop

First and Only Double Launch – 0 to 47 mph in 3 seconds, 30 to 45 mph in 3.5 seconds

Time Traveler isn’t for the faint of heart, and only can run if it’s over 42 degrees outside for safety reason. Even if you’re not a huge coaster fan, be sure to check out the Time Traveler gear – the options are amazing and we absolutely love the steam punk products.

Skilled Craftsman and Tradesmen throughout the Park

From hand crafted foods, to blacksmiths, glass blowers and even potters there are over 100 different artisans working at Silver Dollar City. Making new items daily, the working artists and craftsmen help create the items you see all over the park. Practicing arts that were popular back in the 1880’s these current craftsman (and women) showcase how items are made and give demonstrations daily. Walk up, ask questions and watch how items are made by hand. Watching the demonstrations is a great education for all ages, and you can even get custom pieces made in front of your eyes.

Food – so much food!

Restaurants, ice cream parlors, saloons, themed desserts, candies and more. You can’t make it through Silver Dollar City without trying at least a couple items. With the launch of Time Traveler there are new special desserts you can get themed after the new ride, including a new ice cream flavor that will be making its way to stores throughout the region.

Many of the recipes used throughout Silver Dollar City are old family recipes of the employees that work at Silver Dollar City. And don’t be worried if you have food allergies – there are options for you throughout the park. If you’re gluten free, you may not be able to have the cinnamon rolls or brownies, but there are plenty of options for desserts. If you ever have a question if something is gluten free or if you’re able to eat it – just ask one of the staff members and they’ll be able to help you out.

Family Friendly Fun throughout the Park

Offering a wide variety of activities for all ages, Silver Dollar City has something to do even for the youngest fan. With a dedicated area for smaller kids, and a train you can ride that gets held up by robbers en route. Silver Dollar City focuses on entertaining the whole family in a safe environment. You wont find anything at the park that would offend anyone in your family and will be entertained for a day or more.

One striking thing about Silver Dollar City is connection between the theme park and the employees. The majority of the employees who work at Silver Dollar City work there for years, if not decades. Once you start working for Silver Dollar City, you are considered part of the family and the friendly work environment keeps employees coming back year after year.

There is so much to do at Silver Dollar City that it’d be virtually impossible to do it all in one day. If you’re there to shop the different art work, take a cooking class, see a concert or hop on roller coaster after roller coaster, you get to really choose your own adventure in the park. But don’t worry about the cost of attending the park. One Day tickets are reasonable compared to other theme parks: Adult Tickets $65, Children $54, Seniors $63. But the better value is really the season pass which costs less than getting 2 one day tickets. You can even get a season pass that also includes Silver Dollar City White Water for more fun to explore. Find out more about Silver Dollar City Season Passes.

Becky is an interior designer, an adjunct professor, a foodie, a product reviewer and a gluten free blogger in Detroit, Michigan. Week99er is a family friendly site featuring products, events and recipes for your family. Contact her at [email protected]